4 — Friday, June 27, 1997 ~ North Shore News Decision on Cypress services still pending By Susan Pohorski Contributing Writer IT was standing room only in the West Vancouver secondary school auditorium Monday night as the West Vancouver council heard from both sides of the controversial plans for Cypress Provincial Park. A well-prepared = and orderly parade of speakers addressed the council on the issue of extending sewer and water service to the park. Friends of Cypress Park handed out brochures pro- claiming the park is “threat- ened by a proposed $40 mil- lion commercial development which will destroy many nat- ural areas of the park.” Representatives of Cypress Bowl ski area distributed a flyer titled “Misleading Information Versus the Facts.” Supporters of sewer and water service sported yellow buttons stating their prefer- ence. When all was said and done, the council placed the issue on its July 14 agenda. “I think we will be able to make a decision then,” said Mayor Pat Boname after the meeting. More than 30 people addressed the meeting. Slightly = more —_ speakers opposed the utility service extension than those favoring it. Each speaker received applause from the audience. Coun. Bill Soprovich SIX-month-old Jason Smith-Rabiner states his posi- tion at the meeting on Cypress servicing. received the loudest applause after he asked B.C. Parks rep- resentative Bob Dalziel for more information. “It seems that a lot of stuff B.C. Parks is telling us is inconclusive,” — Sopravich said. “We should have all these things (environmental reports) in front of us. That is not too much to ask.” Dalziel admitted there is further work to be done, but said B.C. Parks is cager to proceed. Coun. Victor Durman asked Dalziel and Cypress Bowl gencral manager Wayne Booth, “What if we were to say no?” Booth answered that the development would continue anyway. Some speakers asked council to approve the sewer and water service and to make the park and ski area “something we can be proud Several speakers urged the council to consider further effects of the proposed devel- opment in the park. Carol Edwards predicted the West Vancouver quality of life and property values would fil “Imagine the extra cars, the congestion and parking problems,” she said. John Clark, president of the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce reminded the council that 1.5 million peo- ple visit the park annually. “This is not a case of if you build it they will come,” he said. “They are already coming.” Council heard from hik- ers, skiers, cabin owners and environmentalists. | While many strongly opposed or strongly favored utility ser- vice, some urged the council to proceed with caution or wait unti] they have more information. Katherine Steig, co-chair of the Friends of Cypress Park, said the group favors improvements in the park and the addition of washrooms. However, they feel the pro- posed expansion of the ski area is excessive and inconsis- tent with park objectives. She pointed our that there is no report on the park’s hydrology and the water /Macic Moment i® DAYTIME ALL DAY 11:30am-6pm $10 quality plan for the area is not complete. “The council docs nor have adequate information to make a decision,” she said. Charles Nash asked the council, “Do you feel you can make this decision without the authority of the people of West Vancouver by referen- dum cr otherwise?” “Do district residents as a whole want this develop- ment?” asked Bob Purdy, a North Vancouver resident and vice president of the Save Our Parklands Association. “This meeting is not enough.” Several speakers opposed the constructic 1 of a restau- rant at the top of Mount Strachan. “Have vou considered placement of the restaurant on an alternative site?” Coun. Ron Wood asked. Booth answered that the restaurant had always been in the plans for the ski area since skiers can ski the upper Jevels when there is no snow on the base of the mountain. “Without services at the upper elevation you are creat- ing 2. severe disadvantage to us as a ski resort.” Kathryn Pipki of the B.C. and Yukon Climate Change Program warned that climate experts are predicting decreases in B.C. snowfall. She quoted an Environment Canada report that projects snow lines will be too high to support viable ski operations in the near future. “Why divert water to an industry thai will not be fea- sibie in the future?” she 0: buslood of passengers tokes 40 vehicles off the road, saves 70,000 litres of y fuel and avoids 9 tonnes of air pollutants o yeor. Try transitl Lunch or Dinner is back! Sunday thru: Thursday ex. suy 31/97 Bring in this ad & receive your lunch or dinner for only $2.00, with the purchase of second entree of